In an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Indiana Pacers star forward Paul George named his goal for the upcoming NBA season, and it’s a lofty one (transcribed by Dan Feldman of NBC Sports):
I want to be MVP. I definitely want to be the MVP this year. It’s tough, as always. It would be a challenge, but with coach Nate and the guys that I got here, I’m in position to move into that spot as long as I remain being me, being a leader, being aggressive and wanting that. It’s not mine for the taking. I got to go get it. And this is my year to go get it.
While I wouldn’t say that George winning MVP is likely, it certainly isn’t impossible. The Pacers underwent a complete overhaul this offseason, swapping out George Hill for Jeff Teague at the point guard position, and acquiring Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson to improve their frontcourt. They also sustained a head coaching change, as Nate McMillan replaced Frank Vogel.
McMillan for Vogel, Teague for Hill, Jefferson for Ian Mahinmi. It’s clear what is happening here. Last year’s top-three defensive squad is trading in their suffocating defense for a quicker, more versatile offense. Overall, I’m not yet convinced that the Pacers have actually gotten much (or any) better as a team. However, if they prove me wrong by becoming an elite Eastern Conference team, then their star player — Paul George — will have a real shot at MVP, especially since — with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant sharing the ball — this year’s MVP field feels fairly open.
